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Saturday, July 27, 2013

Wyoming State Capitol

It is a short drive from F.E. Warren to downtown Cheyenne and the State Capitol. It was on our list and we spent some time there earlier in the week.

The quest for statehood began in 1869 when Wyoming became a U. S. Territory and petitioned Congress to become a state. It took another 11 years when in 1890, President Benjamin Harrison signed the bill for statehood, making Wyoming the 44th state.

The Territorial Legislature authorized construction on the building in 1886 and work began one year later. The building is classically designed resembling the Corinthian style architecture of the U.S. Capitol.

Near the entrance, a statute of Chief Washakie, the State seal, and a statue of Esther Hobart.

Wyoming is known as the "Equality State" because of it embraced women's voting rights early in their state history.

In 1869, the territorial legislature enacted a woman's right to vote and became the world's first government to do so. A few months later, Ester Hobart, became the first woman to serve as Justice of the peace. In 1925, Nellie Ross became the first woman governor elected in the United States.

Inside, there a number of inviting historical and historical displays throughout the hallways.

The rotunda small, but the interior of the dome was beautiful!

The hallways and stairways were ornate and full of detail.

We made it a point to stop in the Governors Office, and were greeted by the friendly receptionist and intern. We peeked into the governor's ceremonial signing room.

Next, we went upstairs to the waiting area of the House of Representatives, looked at the Tiffany Skylight in the House Chambers and got a feel for the work areas/desks of the representatives.

Murals inside the four corners of the House Chambers depicting life in Territorial Wyoming

The murals were named: Stagecoach, Cattlemen, Trappers and Homesteaders and well done.

While we were there, Representative Sam Zwonitzer was getting some work done. He told us about the $100 million renovation planned for the next 3 years and answered a lot of questions.

At 31 years old, he has been a Representative for four years and is in charge of the renovation. One challenge is determining was gets done and another is moving all the people out of the building for two years during renovations.

On the other side of the capitol are the Senate Chambers

It has similar detail in the woodwork, murals and glass work in the skylight. Both chambers were small but not crowded, as one might expect in a state with one of the lowest populations in the country.

Outside in the hallway, the arches and ceiling area where full of more beautiful detail.

A closer look at the colorful stained glass in the dome.

A view of the building from a distance.

The Wyoming State Capitol was a good stop! It was a beautiful, lively building which was inviting and interesting.

Good tour. We also stayed at the Air Base and walked around town, but for some reason did not go to the capitol. Since that is always on the list, I have no idea why that was:( At least I have seen it now:)